Cycling is a fun, adrenaline-pumping outdoor activity that’s perfect for places like Wyoming and Idaho. The scenic routes ensure exercise and sightseeing in one trip. While it’s perfectly normal to ride alone, riding with groups is fun, too. However, there are some safety and distancing tips for riding bicycles as a group every rider must know. Check them out before you start so you’ll know how to properly pass, ride along, and pull off without disrupting the ride’s flow.
Point Out Hazards
One of the most crucial jobs of the leader of a cycling group is to point out hazards. Flat tires and injuries are no fun for anyone. Therefore, physically point out holes, glass, or other roadside litter that might affect the ride. Use hand signals for everyone behind you to see. Reserve verbal communication for very serious situations. No one way behind you will know what you’re saying anyway; they’ll just hear a loud, unintelligible sound.
Keep Pace and Rotate Spots
It’s no fun to feel left out of the group, especially during a bike ride, so it’s important that everyone keep pace and rotate spots. This ensures everyone is accounted for and lets the leader back off and rest when necessary. Keeping pace is also essential for monitoring second-, third-, and fourth-row riders. It’s easy to misjudge your pace and position to the rest of the group. It’s also important not to ride faster than the rest of the group, even if you feel a sudden burst of energy.
Keep a Safe Distance
Another great tip for riding bicycles as a group is to keep a safe distance when riding behind other cyclists. As previously stated, keeping pace is a priority, but that doesn’t mean riders must be shoulder to shoulder. As a general precaution, you should give 30 to 65 feet of space between riders. Keep to roads since bike paths are often narrow and bidirectional. Also, pass safely. Allow 8 to 10 feet to the side of another cyclist when passing. It might help to have rear-view mirrors so you can keep a close eye behind you as you perform this maneuver.
